The Cleveland Browns finally signed Quinshon Judkins.
Judkins was the last player from the 2025 NFL Draft to sign a contract. But, on Sept. 6, the Browns signed the running back to a four-year, $11.4 million deal, with the deal being fully guaranteed. Cleveland selected Judkins with the 36th overall pick.
However, despite Judkins’ signing, he won’t be in the lineup for Week 1. But the hope is that Cleveland will have the rookie running back in Week 2.
“Judkins is not expected to play this week for the #Browns. But depending on practice, he could play the following week,” NFL insider Ian Rapoport wrote on X.
Meanwhile, according to NFL insider Tom Pelissero, the Browns are getting a temporary roster exemption for Judkins.
“The #Browns are expected to get a temporary roster exemption for RB Quinshon Judkins, who is signing his fully guaranteed rookie contract today,” Pelissero wrote. “That’s unrelated to the league’s ongoing disciplinary process; it’s standard for players who missed camp and can last up to two games.”
According to Rapoport, the temporary roster exemption allows Judkins to practice with the Browns but not play until the exemption is lifted. But, Cleveland doesn’t have to make a roster move.
The Browns will open their 2025 NFL season at home on Sept. 7 against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Insider Expects Judkins to be Suspended
Part of the reason why Judkins was unsigned was due to the legal issues.
Judkins was arrested on July 12 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on charges of domestic assault and battery. However, all charges were dropped a month later, but the NFL is still investigating the matter.
Despite the charges being dropped, Browns insider Tony Grossi expects Judkins to be suspended.
“I think there is a zero percent chance. I do think he’s going to be suspended otherwise this case would have been done by now,” Grossi said on ESPN Cleveland. “But, the NFLPA is trying to negotiate a reduced suspension. I think the contract will fall in line once they now how many games he’s out.”
The insider expects Judkins to be suspended for 2-4 games.
“2-4,” Grossi added when asked how long Judkins would be suspended for.
Once Judkins is able to take the field, he could be the Browns‘ starting running back and make an impact on offense.
Browns Coach Confident in Browns Running Backs
Despite Judkins not playing in Week 1, Cleveland is confident in their running backs.
The Browns will start Jerome Ford in Week 1, with Dylan Sampson also getting plenty of snaps. Heading into Week 1, Browns coach Kevin Stefanski was oozing with confidence in his running back room.
“Yeah, our guys have worked very hard. Going back to when we added Coach (Mike) Bloomgren with Tommy Rees really making sure that we have a sound run game,” Stefanski said. “You know, when you talk about the run game, it’s easy to say the running backs and the offensive line. But it does take everybody. We need wide receivers that can block.
“You need quarterbacks to get you in and out of the right plays,” Stefanski added. “So, I think the guys have put in a ton of work into the run game. And, I know that those guys are excited about some of the things we’re doing, but you have to go do it in the games as well.”
The Browns‘ running back room will only get better now that Judkins is signed.
Insider Shares Timeframe for Judkins’ Browns’ Debut After Signing Deal